WARREN – Helen Irene Stetson, 77, died Sept. 15, 2009, at Penobscot Bay Medical Center, Rockport, related to an acute infection and multiple cumulative health challenges. Helen was surrounded in life and in death by her loving family and husband, Howard Stetson. Born Sept. 22, 1931, in Warren, she was the daughter of Thelma (Jones) Carroll and Clifford Carroll. She graduated from Warren High School, Class of 1949. She married Howard Stetson, Aug. 25, 1951. She and Howard built and opened a successful business, Stetson Auto Sales. During the years, Helen worked at Thomaston National Bank, now known as Bank of America, and Warren Telephone Co. She also was known throughout New England as a high quality antique glassware and jewelry dealer at Warren Village Antiques. In addition to running Warren Village Antique Shop for many years, she opened Village Antique Group Shop in May 1987. Helen knew how to have a good time with laughter and play as her family can recall years of Christmas holiday celebrations, water-skiing and cookouts. She will mostly be remembered for her warm smile, elegance and dignity. Helen enjoyed seeing new things and traveled with her husband throughout the years to Sweden, France, Hawaii, Spain, Mexico, Finland and Puerto Rico, returning to Florida annually to enjoy the sun and good friends. Helen was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rockland; Eastern Star; and Warren Historical Society. Helen loved people and animals. Throughout her life she cared for many pets and critters, including her flock of more than 100 well fed ducks that waited until the very last opportunity before flying south, but returned every year to her home in Warren. Helen is survived by her husband, Howard of Warren; her sister, Dorothy Dolham and her husband, Charles, of Warren; and her brother, Greg Dow and his wife, Diane, of Warren. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as great-great-nephews. Helen’s family greatly appreciates the skilled and compassionate care of all the staff at Penobscot Bay Medical Center’s Skilled Care Unit. Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro, where a funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. Interment will be afterward at Leonard Cemetery, Warren. The Rev. Robin Honnaker will officiate. A reception will be held after the service at the Masonic Hall, Route 90, Warren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family through hallfh@myfairpoint.net.
HELEN IRENE STETSON
